Small SUV · 2007–2021 cars

BMW X1 reliability

The BMW X1 fails 16.4% of first MOT tests, 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 319,477 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.

Better than averageReliability score 74/100#7 of 40 small suvs

Checking a BMW X1 before you buy?

first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%): 16.4%; first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
fails than cars of the same age and mileage: 27% fewer; fails than cars of the same age and mileage
MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024: 319,477; MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
typical miles a year, from MOT readings: 8,400; typical miles a year, from MOT readings

What this means for buyers

The BMW X1 is a good bet on the MOT evidence. Across 319,477 MOT tests from 2022 to 2024, its first-time fail rate was 16.4%, against 28.4% for all cars. It also had 27% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, and ranks 7 of 40 small SUV models. 2021 cars were the best year at 39% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2014 was the weakest at 17% fewer.

Good results don't mean you can skip checks. Before you buy, check the suspension arm pin or bush, which was excessively worn in 1.73% of tests. Look closely at the tyres too: tread below 1.6mm (1.61% of tests), cuts reaching the ply or cords (1.6%) and exposed ply or cords (1.18%). Get the MOT history and walk around the car before you commit.

MOT fail rate by age

How the BMW X1 ages

Each point is the share of BMW X1s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.

BMW X1All cars

BMW X1 first-time MOT fail rate by age
Age at MOT (years)	BMW X1	All cars
3	9.4%	12.3%
4	10%	14.1%
5	11.6%	16.4%
6	12.8%	19.1%
7	14.9%	22.1%
8	19.6%	25.5%
9	24.1%	28.8%
10	24.7%	31.8%
11	26.8%	34.6%
12	28.9%	37.3%
13	28.4%	39.5%
14	27.7%	41.1%

By year

The best and worst BMW X1 years

2021 cars come out best and 2014 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.

BMW X1 MOT results by year of first registration
First registered	Tests	Fail rate	Against same-age cars	Typical mileage
2021 X1	3,140	7.1%	39% fewer fails	25,569
2020 X1	14,751	8.5%	30% fewer fails	26,957
2019 X1	38,463	9.6%	27% fewer fails	30,221
2018 X1	51,747	11.4%	23% fewer fails	36,177
2017 X1	47,320	12.1%	32% fewer fails	47,087
2016 X1	42,093	12.9%	38% fewer fails	54,565
2015 X1	15,294	18.2%	24% fewer fails	62,757
2014 X1	25,833	23.3%	17% fewer fails	72,433
2013 X1	24,452	23.7%	23% fewer fails	78,421
2012 X1	18,464	27.2%	21% fewer fails	88,705
2011 X1	20,339	27.2%	27% fewer fails	96,594
2010 X1	16,068	28.7%	28% fewer fails	104,028
2009 X1	1,512	29.9%	29% fewer fails	111,968

Common problems

What fails most on a BMW X1

Failures by area, against cars of the same age and mileage.

Fail rate by area

Tyres5.9%0% below avg
Lights and electrics4.3%43% below avg
Suspension3.5%39% below avg
Brakes2.8%39% below avg
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.7%31% below avg
Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.9%55% below avg
Body, chassis and structure0.8%56% below avg
Wheels0.3%12% above avg
Number plates and VIN0.2%25% below avg

Average for cars of the same age and mileage

Top MOT failures

1
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.73% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.61% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.6% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
4
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.18% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
5
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.01% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
6
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.97% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
7
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.69% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
8
Dipped beam headlamp not working 0.61% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.

Most common advisories

Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a BMW X1's MOT certificate most often.

Tyre worn close to legal limit12.85%
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking6.09%
Brake pads wearing thin6.02%
Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear4.08%
Child seat limits belt inspection3.15%
Brake disc pitted or scored3.12%

Before you buy

What to check on a used BMW X1

1
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
4
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
6
The mileage record
A typical BMW X1 covers about 8,400 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.

Fuel types tested

Diesel72.7%
Petrol26.6%
Hybrid0.6%

Most common colours

White, Black, Grey, Blue, Silver

Average engine size: 2.0 litres.

Compare

How the BMW X1 compares with its rivals

BMW X1 against similar models
Model	Fail rate	Against same-age cars
MINI Countryman	15.5%	28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
BMW X1	16.4%	27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Mercedes-Benz GLA	13.4%	24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Toyota C-HR	14.2%	6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age
Renault Captur	21.4%	15% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Ford EcoSport	20%	28% more MOT fails than the average car its age
Peugeot 2008	25.1%	33% more MOT fails than the average car its age

Every small suv ranked in the small suv reliability index, or all BMW models.

Questions

BMW X1 questions, answered

Is the BMW X1 reliable?

On MOT results, the BMW X1 is better than average: it fails 16.4% of first MOT tests, 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 7 of 40 small suv models in our index.

What fails most on a BMW X1 MOT?

The most common MOT failures on the BMW X1 are suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (1.73% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.61% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.6% of tests). By area, tyres fails 5.9% of its tests.

Which BMW X1 year is the most reliable?

Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2021 cars do best (39% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2014 cars do worst (17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).

How many miles does a BMW X1 do a year?

A typical BMW X1 covers about 8,400 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.

How do I check a BMW X1 before I buy it?

Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.

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